Nepal´s
earthquake and its aftershocks have caused a major humanitarian disaster. I
feel extremely sorry for the Nepalese people and all those who have been
directed impacted by the catastrophe.
A
number of rescue teams, from several countries, have responded to the crisis.
This is an area where the international community has been able to build
capacity to respond fast.
t
is also an area that requires strong coordination mechanisms. The efforts of
the many official and non-governmental agencies that have been deployed to
Nepal need to be properly integrated. Very often the host authorities are not
in a position to do the required coordination. They are too busy responding to
the many individual dramas throughout the disaster area. That´s why it is
important for the UN to deploy a strong coordination management team. If it is
composed of experienced people it will be much easier for its authority to be
accepted by all the other players.
Let´s
hope that´s the case this time.
After
the initial response comes the very long process of rebuilding. It will require
a very steady support from the international community. Nepal cannot do it
alone. Unfortunately past experience shows that the mobilisation of resources
from the international community is not an easy task. There is money for a
quick humanitarian response, but there is little left for long term assistance.
A big country needs to take the lead and help to attract other donors. Could it
be India? In my opinion, and because of regional geopolitical considerations,
it would be better to look for a godfather elsewhere, outside the vicinity of
Nepal.
That
will be a complex political challenge.
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